Indeed, Grenier has already been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal while top clubs in Europe are aware of his progress. Newcastle’s efforts to sign Montpellier’s Remy Cabella hit trouble earlier in the week when Montpellier president Louis Nicollin claimed that the Magpies were treating his club like “morons” after a reported £6.5m bid had been knocked back.

Now United must grapple with Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas.

The French businessman is renowned for his “hardball” tactics when it comes to transfers and talks have hardly been smooth in the last year or so when Newcastle were linked with Bafetimbi Gomis.

“I think if he goes, it’ll be for £20m. It could even be a Champions League team. For me it will be a surprise if he goes to Newcastle. Sadly it could be a 90% no for Grenier to Newcastle.”

Bernard – who played during the club’s foray into the Champions League back in 2002 under Bobby Robson – is concerned that United could struggle to attract top players this summer.

He said: “The problem at Newcastle has been that when the club did well and finished fifth they didn’t invest. Now it’s a whole lot harder for them to attract players. We have not done well enough to attract some of the ambitious players. They want to see a club playing in the Champions League or even the Europa League.

“And Newcastle aren’t close to that at the moment. I really think the Grenier deal is unlikely.”

However, Bernard could see Newcastle attracting Cabella if they find the right price.

Bernard said: “The Cabella deal is more likely. But I don’t know if the £8m that has been talked about is going to be enough.

“He’s a Hatem Ben Arfa type of player. Cabella is a big talent but that money might not be near enough, double that maybe.”

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